Community Service Agency's annual Empty Bowls fundraiser looks a little different this year.

Instead of an in-person event with soups donated by local restaurants, the nonprofit is launching a 10-day online fundraising campaign. CSA will kick off the fundraiser this weekend with a virtual cooking class with chef-owner Larry Chu of Chef Chu's in Los Altos.

The online Empty Bowls campaign will start this Sunday, March 14, and raise funds for homeless services. The nonprofit serves over 700 unhoused individuals each year, providing case management, transportation, emergency financial assistance and food distribution and other support services.

"The pandemic has brought -- and continues to bring -- serious economic hardship, causing food insecurity and financial difficulties for many people in our community," CSA said in a press release. "And, it's not over yet -- in fact, the need is greater than ever."

CSA is also partnering with Mountain View nonprofit Appetite for Good to help food-insecure residents and support local restaurants. Instead of donating to the fundraiser, people can choose to purchase meal vouchers from restaurants that will go to people in need. The participating restaurants include Armadillo Willy's, Cascal, Chef Chu’s, Country Gourmet, Erik's Deli Cafe, Hobee's, JW Catering, La Fiesta and Rustic House Oyster Bar and Grill.

As of last month, the Los Altos Community Foundation is the fiscal sponsor for Appetite for Good, which will help the new nonprofit grow while the foundation manages its administrative responsibilities. Since its founding last year, Appetite for Good has fed over 1,600 local residents impacted by food insecurity.

Tune in this Sunday, March 14, to the free virtual event with Chu, who will demonstrate how to make his restaurant's wonton soup. RSVP here.